Learning to Love a New Culture Past Review
By A student (Government, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/30/2012 to 12/18/2012 with
IES Abroad: Nagoya Direct Enrollment - Nanzan University
Because I spoke so little Japanese when I arrived in Japan, I learned to quickly adapt to new situations, even when I did not entirely understand what was happening. I learned to befriend people from a very different culture than my own and to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of each culture. I obviously gained a great deal of knowledge about the Japanese language, which has already proven to be quite beneficial in searching for internships this summer. Because so few people speak Japanese, it definitely sets you apart from other applicants. Studying abroad was certainly worthwhile and I highly recommend that every one do it if given the opportunity.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Students received a noticeable amount of homework every night. There were tests and quizzes at least 2-3 times a week in the language courses alone. Because the other classes only meet once a week, the Japanese languages courses that all students are required to take constitute most of students' work. Students are required to take 15 hours (IES students had to take 16), so it certainly isn't an easy academic semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the Koryuu Kaikan, a dorm across the street from campus. Here, Japanese students lived with international students in order to help them adjust to the country and to give them insight into Japanese culture. The proximity to campus was wonderful (some homestays were over an hour away by train) and it was very easy to make friends because you were living with them. Unfortunately there are not many restaurants around the dorm so you are mostly responsible for feeding yourself. There was no curfew, so students could experience Japanese nightlife, something that was harder for homestay students to do. I highly recommend it. |
| * Food: |
The food in Nagoya was delicious. Nanzan had some of the best school cafeterias that I have ever experienced and there were many restaurants a train ride away. However, everything was very expensive. Be prepared to spend a sizable amount of money on food, especially if you do not live in a homestay. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The healthcare system was excellent, but because of language and cultural barriers some students had difficulty deducing exactly what doctors they were supposed to visit and what the doctor was telling them to do to get better. There was not much support from the school regarding this. Japanese healthcare is comparatively cheap, but the first time you visit there is an extra charge that makes the trip quite expensive. I do not recommend going to the doctor without either a homestay family member or a close Japanese friend who can help explain things to you. |
| * Safety: |
This was probably the safest I've ever felt. If you're not stupid, you'll be fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Keep in mind that I had to provide my own dinner because I lived in a dorm. Transportation via the subway can get quite expensive, and going out to experience the nightlife even more so. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $130 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just like America, be careful of the bars and nightclubs. The drinks are very expensive. Food is also extremely pricy, so cooking for yourself is a plus in the dorms. If you live far away from campus or use the subway a lot for some reason, you can purchase monthly passes between two stations and then travel between them as much as you want after paying a flat fee. This can save you a lot of money if you ride enough. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 4th semester of Japanese language |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Keep in mind that many Japanese students will want to befriend you to practice their English. While you should certainly make friends with as many Japanese people as possible, you should be careful if your goal is to use Japanese all of the time, as they likely would much rather use English. Your homestay family/Japanese roommates in the dorms are probably your best bet for practice, as they will likely not be as keen to practice when they return home and are tired. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Almost all of your governmental fees (customs, etc.) can be paid at any local convenience store. Bring nice clothes for class, as girls wear heels to class even Japanese men dress up every day. In comparison, us foreign students looked like complete slobs. If you try to talk to cashiers to be friendly they will find it strange and be a little creeped out. Some Japanese people, especially older ones, might insult you in Japanese while standing directly next to you because they assume you can't understand. Do not stick your chopsticks into your rice. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
